I love these bananas. I’m not even a fan of a raw banana – but oh…a sprinkling of sugar, a blow torch – and voila – magic banana. These are great in addition to most any dessert. Really and truly. I absolutely love them in an ice cream sundae. My favorite. The crisp topping is like a creme brulee – but underneath, a banana. Yum! These are a great snack when you’re craving something sweet – especially for the kids (well, me too). The hard sugary shell entices them (us) and while we are at it – eat a whole healthy potassium filled banana! (OK, yes, with some added sugar.) Actually these might be good cut into hot oatmeal for breakfast – just thought
of that now. Hmmm…tomorrow. These are relatively easy to make if you have a blow torch – but sadly most people don’t? Blowtorches are easy to find 
at your local hardware store – you don’t need anything fancy – but if you want a fancy one – especially styled for pastry, then by all means purchase. And don’t be scared – I know it sounds intimidating. The blow torch comes in very handy for caramelizing fruits, meringues and creme brulee. Unfortunately, unlike creme brulee – broiling these in the oven is really not quite as good. The banana “cooks” a bit and gets very mushy – but I guess it’s worth a shot if there is no other option. (OH, just got a note from Robert a friend and neighbor who says he cooks bananas in a nonstick pan over high heat with balsamic vinegar and some sugar. Yes, a pan friend banana may be the alternative way to go if you’re not daring enough for the blowtorch!)
caramelized bananas:
firm, just ripe, bananas
sugar
blowtorch–
Slice each banana lengthwise. Place on foil or a foil-lined roasting dish or sheet pan. For each banana, sprinkle about a teaspoon of sugar (you can use more or less depending on the size of the banana and your personal taste) onto the cut side of the banana – and go to blowtorch town. Take your time…hold the blowtorch about 3-5 inches away and slowly move the flame around the banana. Keep the blowtorch moving all over and over and over again until the sugar caramelizes and turns a lovely shade of nutty brown. Delish.
broiler–
Follow directions above (but I would try a less ripe banana) – then place in oven – and broil. This will probably take under a minute so watch it carefully. I tried at home – but pretty unhappy with my results – but practice and see if maybe you can do better…I will try again – just hard to waste my bananas when my blowtorch is so close by!
Enjoy-
